The Wynn Resorts project on Al Marjan Island in the UAE is progressing steadily and is expected to officially open in March 2027. This will be the first integrated resort in the United Arab Emirates to include a casino business, marking a new development stage for the country's tourism and entertainment industries.
Project Overview and Opening Schedule
According to Abdullah Abdulali, CEO of Wynn Resorts, the Wynn Al Marjan project is planned to be completed within 18 months, with an official opening scheduled for March 2027. The project is one of the largest integrated resort developments in the UAE and one of the most anticipated tourism and entertainment projects in the Middle East.
Resort Facilities and Construction Progress
The total investment for the project is $5.1 billion, with the building reaching 70 floors. As of August this year, the project has been constructed up to the 61st floor. Upon completion, it will include a hotel building with over 1500 rooms, a full-suite luxury hotel, a 7500 square meter event center, a five-star spa, more than 20 restaurants, and a large shopping area. The casino area will cover 20900 square meters and will feature a "Sky Gaming" area on the 22nd floor.
Geographical Location and Transportation Advantages
The project is located on Al Marjan Island, less than an hour's drive from Dubai International Airport and only 15 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. This geographical advantage allows it to conveniently connect to major transportation hubs in the UAE, providing easy access for international tourists.
UAE Gambling Regulatory Environment
In October 2023, Wynn Resorts obtained the first gambling operation license in the UAE, valid for 15 years. The UAE also established the General Business Gambling Authority (GMA), led by veterans of the American gambling industry, with former MGM Resorts CEO Jim Murren as chairman and former International Gaming Lab Chief Legal Officer Kevin Mullally as CEO.
Market Competition and Regional Strategy
The UAE's push for the legalization of gambling is part of its strategy to compete regionally, especially against the tourism industry of Saudi Arabia, which welcomed a record 30 million international tourists in 2024. The UAE is actively attracting more international tourists by simplifying visa procedures and relaxing social restrictions, consolidating its position as a regional center for tourism, trade, and finance.
Market Expectations and Development Planning
Analysts expect the project's annual gambling revenue to be between $5 billion and $8 billion, potentially surpassing the gambling revenue levels of the Las Vegas Strip. The project will also include the construction of a 3.1 million square meter "mixed-use residential community" RAKS Central, also planned to be operational by 2027. The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority aims to attract over 3.5 million tourists by 2030.
Industry Competition and Market Layout
In addition to Wynn Resorts, other international operators are also eyeing the UAE market. MGM Resorts has expressed plans to open a resort in Abu Dhabi, with the license application currently under review. Wynn Resorts has also established a channel to attract British and European customers by acquiring the London Crown Casino, reserving potential customers for the UAE project.
